Leadership Tea

Is your work week defined more by dread rather than by excitement and purpose? Belinda and Shelby examine strategies for creating a more balanced and intentional life, focusing on the power of rest, self-reflection, and strategic decluttering.  Addressing the common experience of "Sunday scaries," we challenge the notion that merely surviving the workweek is an acceptable norm. We offer...

Shelby and Belinda discuss the idea of selecting three words to guide our intentions for 2025. We share our chosen words and discuss strategies for embodying and implementing them throughout the year. In this episode: • Our three words for 2025 • Using visual reminders to keep our words top of mind  • Dynamic planning and adjusting goals  • Accountability tips to stay on track  Send us a comment!...

Navigating uncertainty requires strong team communication and personal well-being. Today, Belinda and Shelby explore strategies for leading through turbulent times, focusing on acceptance and radical honesty.  We discuss how overcommunication within your teams helps maintain trust and clarity during turbulent times. We can only effectively lead our teams when we are grounded, so emotional regulati...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with entrepreneur and coach Heather A. Kollar as we unlock the secrets to building strong and meaningful business relationships. Heather shares her incredible journey, highlighting the crucial roles of integrity, character, and skill in successful partnerships. We explore her strategies for over-delivering to clients and maintaining a quality-driven mindset wh...

Imagine facing an unexpected shift in your career trajectory just as you reached the peak of your success. Our conversation aims to equip you with strategies to embrace resilience and clarity, even amid uncertainty. We discuss the non-linear path of grief and the critical need for community and therapeutic support during such times.  We encourage you to reimagine your future beyond the confines of...

Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal joins us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and navigating life's adversities. Her story offers a window into her resilient mindset and risk-taking approach, illustrating how history and upbringing can shape one's leadership style. Ambassador Brazeal shares best practices from her adventures in the diplomatic arena. Her stories illustrate...

How can you keep team morale high when the people above you can't see eye to eye? Managing from the middle can feel like walking a tightrope when you're caught in the crossfire of clashing bosses. Drawing from our personal experiences, Belinda and Shelby reveal the art of leading small teams while gracefully managing upwards.  We explore the power of emotional intelligence in turning a c...

What if the key to successful leadership is knowing when to say no? Join us as we uncover strategic problem-solving and leadership secrets with Kendra Gaither. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for balancing team success with well-being, focusing on essential tasks, and staying aligned with your team's North Star, even when unexpected opportunities knock on your door. Kendra...

Being a leader means managing the emotional stress that comes with striving for excellence amidst external criticism. Belinda and Shelby discuss real-world challenges that leaders face, from microaggressions to the relentless pressures to lead new initiatives. Through personal stories and practical advice, we share how to preserve your mental energy, pick your battles wisely, and ensure your respo...

Leadership is not just about strategy and performance; it's about people. What if self-awareness could be your secret weapon in effective leadership? Accomplished leader Nichole Gladden McCall shares her insights on leading with authenticity and empathy.  Nichole opens up about the importance of self-awareness, detailing her daily practice of self-check-ins. She shares actionable strategies f...

Curious about how to lead with a startup mindset in any sector, including government or private industry? In this episode, Belinda and Shelby break down how agility and creativity can help you when embarking on new projects or building teams.  If you're struggling with mission creep or feeling overwhelmed by tasks, we’ve got you covered. We discuss how to set goals for the year ahead and main...

Belinda and Shelby share our favorite moments and quotes from season 1 of the podcast. Belinda recounts Perlita's insights on the unsustainability of  fight-or-flight leadership. Shelby reflects on our conversation with Emily Haber, focusing on leading with vulnerability.  As we take a brief hiatus to plan for the next season, we'll stay active on Instagram and our email updates. The mos...

What happens when a seasoned diplomat becomes an entrepreneur? From an emotional farewell to the State Department to entering the private sector and entrepreneurship, Belinda's story is a testament to the possibilities of embracing change. Belinda discusses bravely letting go of what no longer served her and how redefining her boundaries led to a new sense of empowerment. Belinda leveraged he...

How can you build a team that thrives on creativity and curiosity? Our guest Erika Bennett, founder and CEO of Conscious Culture Creative, does just that. Her unique leadership style fosters deep relationships and creates an environment where curiosity is valued. Erika shares how nurturing diverse talents can lead to substantial growth for everyone on the team. Erika reflects on her rise from inte...

Ever wondered how power couples juggle careers while keeping their families grounded? Shelby and Belinda share our secrets to balancing demanding jobs and family obligations. We bring our spouses into the mix, revealing how communication, adaptability, and mutual support help us manage it all.  We liken marriage to a relay race, where the baton is passed to whoever is best positioned to move forwa...

Could adversity be your greatest growth opportunity? Belinda and Shelby share insights from our experiences during the pandemic and beyond. We discuss how pausing to reflect before making decisions can and how small but intentional actions within your sphere of influence can foster stability during crises.  We also highlight the importance of self-care, including having a therapist and a leadershi...

Belinda and Shelby celebrate Father's Day with a discussion with our dads. From transitioning careers to overcoming humble beginnings, we share the stories of these incredible men and their profound impact on our lives. Is leadership something you're born with, or is it a practical skill that can be cultivated over time? Our dads share their journeys, with twists and turns that required...

What if leadership was less about authority and more about generosity, empathy, and kindness? In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Debernee Privott, a distinguished professor and community leader. The principles of understanding, sacrifice, and inclusivity, instilled in her by her supportive family, have shaped Dr. Privott's leadership style. Her faith and values guide...

The COVID pandemic has challenged even the most seasoned leaders, forcing us to navigate uncharted waters without a playbook. We're reimagining leadership and fostering trust in a workplace transformed by the pandemic. Belinda and Shelby share their journeys of "leading in the grey" amid the chaos of the pandemic.   We discuss how the pandemic amplified leadership responsibilities a...

How can you build trust and credibility when transitioning to a new leadership position? In this episode, we talk about how to master the first 90 days in your new role, as you transition from colleague to commander.  We discuss strategies that have worked for us as we've navigated change management, tough conversations, financial restraints, and the dynamics of managing former peers.  Send u...

In this special Mother's Day episode, we're joined by two extraordinary women, Cora and Gloria, our own mothers, who bring a rich mix of experiences and wisdom. The lessons they learned from their mothers (and other mother figures in their lives) deeply impacted their leadership styles.  Many of these lessons were instilled in our childhood homes and have become the bedrock of our leader...

Emily Haber, former German ambassador to the United States, shares her wisdom in this conversation about advocacy and allyship. Emily embodies leadership's true essence: responsibility, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to lifting those who are most vulnerable.  This episode is for anyone looking to steer their ship with integrity. About Emily Haber International Women's Forum Lea...

Belinda and Shelby reflect on our efforts to form strong bonds with our peers. We discuss why regular check-ins and internal diplomacy aren't just routine practices but are essential for any leader seeking to build a team that thrives. Learn strategies for creating a culture of support and collaboration that will elevate your leadership and your team. Send us a comment! Support the show We pu...

Belinda and Shelby discuss the unwritten rules of mentorship with our mentors, Ambassador Harry Thomas and Ambassador Teddy Taylor. With a combined 73 years of public service, our "uncles" speak about creating genuine connections and the commitment required to nurture talent and uplift others.  We discuss the delicate balance of guiding, providing support, and rooting for the success of...

As a leader, have you ever stood at the crossroads of a tough decision? This episode highlights a few principles we have used to navigate complex situations.  From ethical dilemmas to strategic choices, Belinda and Shelby share insights we gleaned from navigating the murky waters of high-stakes decisions while staying grounded and leading with empathy. Send us a comment! Leadership Lessons From Th...